Paddle Tops & Bottoms

Paddle Tops & Bottoms for Stand-Up Paddleboarding

A full wetsuit isn’t always the most comfortable or practical option for stand-up paddleboarding. Separate paddle tops and bottoms give you far more flexibility, allowing you to adapt what you wear to the weather, water temperature and type of paddling you have planned. They are particularly useful for UK conditions, where a calm start to the day can quickly turn cooler once the wind picks up.

Our paddle tops and bottoms are chosen with movement on the water in mind. We look for comfortable stretch, practical fits and technical materials that let you paddle, kneel, carry your board and climb back onto it without feeling unnecessarily restricted. From lightweight neoprene layers such as NRS HydroSkin to technical paddlewear designed for longer and more active days on the water, the aim is to give you clothing that works with your paddling rather than against it.

Neoprene or Technical Paddlewear?

Not every paddle top or bottom needs to be made from traditional neoprene. Lightweight neoprene is a great option when you want additional insulation without committing to a full wetsuit, while technical paddlewear can offer a different balance of warmth, breathability and quick-drying performance. Both have their place, and the best choice depends on the conditions and how you like to paddle.

For relaxed sessions or colder water, a close-fitting neoprene layer can provide useful extra warmth while still allowing plenty of movement. More technical fabrics can suit touring, fitness paddling and longer sessions particularly well, where you may be working harder and generating more body heat. By keeping tops and bottoms separate, you can also mix different materials and levels of insulation rather than being tied to one complete outfit.

Paddle Tops for UK Conditions

A good paddle top should allow your shoulders and arms to move naturally through every stroke while helping you stay comfortable as the conditions change. On milder days, a lightweight technical top or thinner neoprene layer may provide all the extra protection you need, while cooler conditions may call for something warmer or an additional layer underneath.

Stand-up paddleboarding can be surprisingly active, especially when touring or paddling into wind, so simply choosing the warmest clothing isn’t always the answer. The best paddlewear balances warmth with freedom of movement and breathability, helping you remain comfortable without feeling bulky or overheated.

Paddle Bottoms, Leggings & Trousers

Paddle bottoms have to cope with much more than simply standing upright. During a normal session you may be kneeling, stepping on and off the board, carrying equipment or climbing back onto your SUP after a swim, so stretch and freedom around the hips and knees are particularly important.

Depending on the conditions, that might mean lightweight neoprene leggings, thermal paddle pants or technical trousers designed specifically for watersports. We look for bottoms that remain comfortable through a full range of movement and stay secure around the waist, rather than clothing that only feels good while standing still.

Men’s & Women’s Paddle Clothing

We’ve brought men’s and women’s paddle tops and bottoms together in one collection so it’s easier to compare materials, warmth and styles without having to jump between lots of small categories. Where a manufacturer offers separate men’s and women’s fits, you’ll find those clearly identified on the individual product pages.

Fit is especially important with neoprene and close-fitting technical layers. Differences around the waist, hips, shoulders and chest can make a noticeable difference to comfort, so it’s worth taking a little time to check the manufacturer’s sizing rather than simply choosing your normal everyday clothing size.

What Should I Wear Paddleboarding?

There isn’t one clothing system that works for every paddleboarding session. A calm summer afternoon can require something completely different from a windy autumn paddle or a long day touring, and it is important to consider the water temperature as well as the temperature of the air.

Think about the conditions you are likely to encounter, how hard you will be paddling, how far you will be from shore and the possibility of ending up in the water. Separate paddle tops and bottoms make it much easier to adjust what you wear, giving you the freedom to combine lightweight, thermal and neoprene layers to suit the session rather than relying on one outfit for everything.

• Milder conditions: lightweight, quick-drying paddle clothing can work well for active sessions.
• Cooler conditions: technical thermal layers or lightweight neoprene can add useful warmth.
• Cold water or greater immersion risk: consider whether a suitable wetsuit, drysuit or other immersion protection would be more appropriate.
• Longer or more active paddles: look for clothing that combines warmth with breathability and freedom of movement.

The real advantage of paddle tops and bottoms is their versatility. You can adjust the upper and lower body independently, mix different levels of insulation and build a clothing system around the conditions you’re actually paddling in.